“What About Your “Common Cold” Shot?…”

Trick question… because there is no such thing as a “common cold shot”.

First off… Greetings!!! Let me wish you a very Happy Autumn 2018. Last week on the 22nd  marked the first day of Fall with the Autumnal Equinox. I just like saying that, don’t you… it just rolls off of the tongue… “Autumnal Equinox.”

As an interesting aside; the Chinese calendar considers that not the beginning, but the midpoint of autumn. And that now we are coasting downward towards winter. Interesting. So whichever calendar you want to follow, I wish you a healthy and prosperous fall 2018.

But now back to business… By now you know, it’s ALREADY Cold and Flu Season here in Austin. So far I personally have seen many people struck with the classic signs of colds… chills, aches, fatigue, coughs sore throats, etc…. And we have already had our first serious cases of influenza reported at the hospital. And for every one patient a doctor sees for the flu, they’ll see 10 for the simple common cold. Unfortunately doctors don’t have much to offer these people unless the symptoms become life threatening.

The Drug makers would have you believe that once you get their Flu shot, you are free and clear and impervious to the flu. But scientific research data may show something a little bit different. Ok, ok… ALOT different.

Several recent studies over the past few years have shown that the flu shots are a total bust. What is often failed to be mentioned in the media is that colds and flu’s are caused by hundreds of different viruses and bacteria’s. Each year, when the drug companies produce the next year’s batch of vaccine, it’s based on their educated guess on which of the 6 or so virus strains will be the most common that upcoming year; but definitely not all 10,000 of them. What if you happen to be exposed to the wrong flu virus strain?

And the common cold, of course HAS no vaccine.

So what are we to do about it? How can we protect ourselves and our family from this years colds and flus? Thankfully there is plenty that you can do.

First, be sure to get enough high quality sleep. That is vital for a healthy immune system. Another thing is to eat well and get some exercise. Go outside and go for a walk out in nature or do some yard work. Just being out in nature has been shown to boost our immune system. Another tip is to gargle daily with salt water. More on that later….

Thankfully, there is plenty that you can do NOW to prevent the worst from happening this season. And if you are looking for another huge boost to your immune system, why not give yourself a little “beat the odds” insurance…

…Why not give yourself the assurance

acupuncture provides?

 

Q; “But why would I need acupuncture, I’ve already got my flu shot?”

 A; The flu shot is definitely touted by our doctors to be a good thing, but even on the best of days, won’t stop all strains of flu, and it definitely won’t stop a common cold or other infections like bronchitis & pneumonia. Modern OTC & prescription cold medicines concerns themselves primarily with either killing the germs or controlling symptoms. Many of the drugs that we take actually suppress the body’s natural attempts to fend for itself. Achy muscles, fever, sneezing and snotty noses are all things the body does to defend itself and defeat the invading germs. Most cold medicines attempt to stop those natural responses because they annoy us. But research shows that these OTC remedies such as decongestants actually lengthen the course of the illness; Not shorten it. So we stay sick longer. Bummer.

The reason acupuncture achieves such great success in treating colds and flu’s and similar conditions has to do with the nature of the acupuncture itself. Acupuncture’s primary concern is maintaining a healthy state of balance within the human body and its outside environment. It boosts our bodies natural immune response.

Acupuncture is a perfect tool to prevent colds and flus by improving your immune defenses. Many seperate research studies find that people who receive regular acupuncture treatments get sick less often. If you already have a cold or flu, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the length and severity of symptoms so that you recover more quickly. There have been countless clinical studies preformed in universities and hospitals worldwide proving its effect.

Even after a single needle, the body begins to respond by producing more white blood cells, reduces the stress hormone cortisol and strengthens the immune system.

Q; “What is the proof it works? Isn’t it all just Silly Folk Medicine?”

 A; The fact is, millions of physicians from around the world have used these therapies for years. Even here in the US, acupuncture and herbal medicine is becoming mainstream medicine at a breakneck pace. Today, over 25% of all the hospitals in the US have acupuncturists on staff,  Over 33% of all the medical schools now offer courses on acupuncture to their doctors. Even Mayo clinic in Rochester has given its nod of approval and now offers acupuncture to patients with auto-immune disorders and pain. Several studies prove its effectiveness in all manner of immune system disorders including such deadly viral diseases as HIV, hepatitis, shingles and AIDS.

Here’s a true story to illustrate the point. Some years ago, a group of esteemed scientists from the People’s Republic of China were invited to visit the United States by the American scientific community. This event ushered in an exchange of ideas and an opportunity for two great nations to be able to corroborate on a number of issues vital to the health and welfare of the world. Over a period of two months, the Chinese scientists visited virtually every major research facility in the nation, followed closely by their American hosts, who were furiously taking notes and promoting discussion on matters from nuclear physics to aerospace, medical research and treatment approaches. The visit culminated in a banquet at Princeton University in honor of the Chinese scientists, which was attended by a virtual “who’s who” of the North American scientific world.

During the banquet, the moderator of the event posed the question to the chief Chinese scientist as to what he felt was one of the most significant things he had learned in America; what had impressed him the most about the United States that he would return to China and share it with his colleagues who were not present on this historic visit? The scientist rose from his chair, strode to the microphone, gazed over the crowd and stated in understandable English: “The number one thing that has impressed me the most about America is the erroneous belief by the common person that there is no cure for the common cold.” The American scientists were totally caught off guard with this statement, as it was perhaps the farthest thing from anyone’s mind. It was not what they had expected to hear.

Although the US is fixated on the idea that there is no cure for the common cold, in the Orient, it is commonly understood that there is plenty that you can do to get rid of colds & flus and speed up and shorten the length & duration of it.

In Chinese Medical school, the first sickness we learn to treat is the common cold. During the SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic of a few years ago, the Chinese (who are constantly trying to modernize their healthcare system), found themselves once again turning to and relying on centuries old traditional herbal medicine & acupuncture over more conventional western drug treatments for the deadly SARS. Doctors found themselves giving traditional medicine such as acupuncture and herbs in the Emergency Room along with modern life saving treatments such as nebulizers and steroids and antiviral drugs.

Q; “But my insurance won’t pay. You want me to pay for this out of my pocket? You Crazy?!?”

 A;  There are lots of things insurance doesn’t cover, so we shouldn’t really depend on them to make the best decisions for us. Eye glasses, hearing aids, dental, expensive cancer treatments, etc… are only partially covered if at all, leaving you with the bill. Nor do they pay for walking shoes or gym membership or even green house plants for your home? Those three things have been scientifically proven to reduce sickness, relieve depression, speed recovery and improve overall health. Just as acupuncture has.

Nope, insurance coverage is not based on best medical practices & outcomes. It is based on something else. Something which should concern us all. Why don’t they pay for those things I mentioned? Truthfully the insurance companies don’t care whether you are sick or not, or in pain, or even ugly. What matters to insurance companies is that someone pays them and they hopefully don’t have to pay you. Honestly, how much faith do you put in insurance companies really caring about you. It’s quite cynical to think, but many people have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest for your insurance company that you stay sick and in pain… That way they have to charge more in premiums and thus make more profit. The sicker you are and the more expensive care you need, the better it is for their bottom line. Healthy people just aren’t actually all that profitable for insurance companies. Sick people are. Acupuncture saves money, so they want nothing to do with it.

Years ago, health care was decided by you and your doctor. Today, health care decisions are made by politicians, some corporation’s lawyers and their accountants 1000 miles away. With prices so high, medical care is inaccessible and unaffordable unless your insurance company “allows” you to have it. Acupuncture on the other hand is cheap cheap cheap!

Choosing acupuncture means that you are taking back control.

Q; “So how can I take back control over my health this season?”

A; You can come in for some acupuncture. Even one session will help. But if you really want the best, you can come in for our “Immune Booster Acu-Pack” (nice name, eh?). It’s a series of 10 treatments over the course of just a few weeks. You will not only vastly increase your chances of remaining cold and flu free for the rest of this winter season, but you will feel much, much better, overall.  Remember that feeling you had when you initially came in for acupuncture; remember the relaxed feeling; the peace of mind and mental awakeness; The feeling of having more energy. That’s why I have decided to make you a very special offer to remove any roadblocks you might think there are to keeping yourself well this winter.

As you know, acupuncture medicine doesn’t work by magic (I wish). Just as if you were to go to the gym once and then not go back, you shouldn’t expect to see many results. In this way, Acupuncture is like going to the gym, but for your insides instead of your outsides. One acupuncture treatment usually just wouldn’t be enough. A short series is needed to make the benefits stick long term. That’s why were offering this;

10 sessions for the incredible price of $397! (That’s a whopping savings!!!)

To put it in perspective; remember that acupuncturists up in the Cities and Rochester charge between $75-125 for a single session of acupuncture cash. Mayo charges as much as $280 a session! If you do that math, it’s like getting $2800 worth of care for $397! We’re simply doing this because we really want you to be healthy this season and want you to make sure you get enough acupuncture for it to be effective. Now compare that $397 to the last bill you got from the doctor. Unless you are one of those ultra-rare Hormel retirees from long ago with 100% coverage, your bill made you queezy when you first saw it- because it was so sky high. Heck… just the other day we got a bill from Mayo for a routine 15 minute doctors visit… $1,598.00 !!! For a 15 minute appointment.

 “The number one reason acupuncture fails is because patients drop out too soon or treatments are spaced too far apart. That’s why we want you to come in for the 10 sessions over a course of just a few weeks. 10 sessions is the common treatment protocol in Chinese hospitals and University studies and is the foundation for good, long lasting results.”

…So Commit to Caring For Yourself Beginning with Acupuncture…

 Feel energized…

Become pain free…

Sleep like a baby…

Enjoy peace of mind…

Increase your endurance for what life throws at you…

Many in America have found acupuncture as a cost effective addition to their healthy lifestyle in building a strong immune system, strengthen vital internal organ function and increase overall health, longevity and sense of well being.

Not only will these 10 sessions boost your immune system, it’ll also address whatever else needs to be taken care of such as a bad back or headaches. The beauty of Chinese Medicine is its ability to address multiple ailments at the same time. So I recommend setting you up with the 10 sessions at a frequency of 2 to 3 a week (the way it’s done in China); or whatever works best for you.

The only catch is that you have to act fast. My accountant hates when I give you all such great deals and demands that I limit this to just a few people since the savings is so drastic. He thinks I’m giving away too much value and cutting too deep into the bottom line. So to keep him off my back, I agreed to limit it to just the first 10 people. But also, if October 15th  comes, the deal is off and so is the savings. The other reason I’m doing that because you need to act fast to prepare your body’s defenses before the viruses get here in full force.

You have to ask yourself; What is your health worth? What is a winter free from the misery of the flu worth? What is it worth to enjoy play time with your grandkids this season? There aren’t a whole lot of winters in ones lifetime to enjoy, you know.

So don’t let this fantastic opportunity for better health slip by. It’s such a small investment. You’ll be trading away something you don’t want (the crud) for something you do (better health) and not only will you be healthier; you’ll have more energy to enjoy it with.

So go ahead, Call our Austin Acupuncture office today and mention the “Immune Acu-Pack”…

*P.S. Remember, at the stroke of midnight, October 15^th, this offer will be gone forever…

*P.S.S… And as always, I know $397 is a lot of money, so remember that we also offer a 3 session pack for only $127 and our single visits are still just the crazy low price of $47. Hope to see you soon…

Jason…